What’s more inspiring than the blazing colors of Fall in New England? For a state that is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long, it is notable that its shoreline on Narragansett Bay in the Atlantic Ocean runs for nearly 400 miles, lending to Rhode Island’s nickname as the “Ocean State.” Rhode Island has 35 islands within its territorial waters, including Aquidneck Island and Block Island. While you’re visiting Providence, take time to explore the state and some of its beautiful beaches and state parks while the weather is pleasant and the environment is rich with the colors of Autumn.
State Beaches
Charlestown Breachway located in Charlestown, RI
East Beach located in Charlestown, RI
East Matunuck State Beach located in South Kingstown, RI
Misquamicut State Beach located in Westerly, RI
Roger W. Wheeler State Beach located in Narragansett, RI
Salty Brine State Beach located in Narragansett, RI
Scarbourough State Beaches (North and South) located in Narragansett, RI
State Campgrounds
Burlingame State Park and Campground located in Charlestown, RI
Charlestown Breachway located in Charlestown, RI
East Beach located in Charlestown, RI
Fishermen’s Memorial State Park and Campground located in Narragansett, RI
George Washington State Campground and Management Area located in Glocester, RI
State Parks
Beavertail State Park located in Jamestown, RI
Brenton Point located on Ocean Drive in Newport, RI
Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area located in Chepachet, RI
Colt State Park located in Bristol, RI
Fort Adams located in Newport, RI
Fort Wetherhill State Park located in Jamestown, RI
Goddard Memorial State Park located in East Greenwich, RI
Haines Memorial State Park located in East Providence, RI
Lincoln Woods State Park located in Lincoln, RI
Snake Den State Park located in Johnston, RI
World War II Veterans Memorial located in Woonsocket, RI
Additional Parks to Visit
Arcadia Management Area 14,000 acres;located in Richmond, Exeter, Hopkinton, and West Greenwich
Bike Paths
Blackstone River Bikeway
Length: 10.3 miles
Terrain: Mostly flat with a few steep inclines
What You’ll See: Mostly woodlands following alongside the historic Blackstone River and its canal
Nearby Attractions: Slater Mill, the Museum of Work and Culture, Wilbur Kelly House Museum and Blackstone Valley Visitors Center
Other Activities: Fishing and kayaking/canoeing
Towns: Cumberland, Lincoln, Pawtucket, Central Falls and Woonsocket
Coventry Greenway
Length: 4.3-miles
Terrain: Mostly flat
What You’ll See: Woodlands, streams, a lake and reservoir
Other Activities: Fishing and kayaking/canoeing
Town: Coventry
East Bay Bike Path
Length: 14.5 miles
Terrain: From the north, the first several miles offer a demanding terrain of steep hills broken up by plateus; the remainder is mostly flat and travels over several causeways along the Bay’s shoreline
What You’ll See: Stunning views of Narragansett Bay, New England’s largest estuary, and Providence, the capital city. Coves and marshes are also common.
Nearby Attractions: Colt State Park, the historic Looff Carousel, Bristol and Barrington Town Beaches, the Audubon Environmental Education Center, the Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame
Other Activities: Kayaking/canoeing, antiquing, fine dining (notably seafood and others) and boating
Towns: Barrington, Bristol, East Providence and Warren
South County William C. O’Neill Bike Path
Length: ~9 miles
Terrain: Almost completely flat
What You’ll See: Farmland, some woods and streams
Nearby Attractions: The Great Swamp, the historic villages of Kingston, Wakefield and Peacedale, Narragansett Town Beach and the historic Narragansett Towers
Other activities: Shopping, bird-watching, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and surfing
Woonasquatucket River Greenway
Length: ~10 miles
Terrain: Relatively flat with some hills
What You’ll See: The Woonasquatucket River, some woodlands
Nearby Attractions: Buttonhole Golf Course, WaterPlace Park, Providence Place mall and the State House
Other Activities: Kayaking/canoeing, recreation at Riverside Mills Park, Merino Park and Donigian Park, shopping and fine dining
Access: There are eight ideal access points along the path, with several of them offering plenty of parking and even canoe launches
Towns: Providence and Johnston